SWA told ‘stay out of the independence debate’

The former chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) claims the Scottish National Party (SNP) pressured the organisation not to oppose Scottish independence.

Gavin Hewitt, former SWA chief executive, spoke to Channel 4’s Dispatches programme on Scottish independence

Gavin Hewitt made the allegations in a Dispatches documentary titled, The Great British Break Up, that aired on Channel 4 in the UK on Monday.

During the documentary, Hewitt claimed he or senior members of his staff had met with SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson on no fewer than six occasions over the past two years.

“He [Robertson] and the SNP have regularly tried to get the message to the Scotch Whisky Association that the Scotch whisky industry should stay out of the independence debate,” Hewitt told the programme.

“He was, I think, trying to neuter business comment. There was a genuine fear that in fact if we were seen to scupper by coming out publicly against independence, there would be retribution down the track.”

As MP for Moray, Robertson represents several Scotch whisky distilleries.

He responded: “I totally refute the allegations, especially given that both Gavin Hewitt and his successor, Peter Frost, have both said to me that they don’t take a position on constitutional issues.

“Mr Hewitt publicly endorsed the case for a ‘No’ vote last month, which of course he is perfectly entitled to.”

The SWA has previously warned of “potential risks” to the Scotch industry if Scotland gains independence when the referendum is held on 18 September.

Additionally, on Monday it was revealed William Grant & Sons donated a six-figure sum to anti-independence campaign, Better Together.